Rotie Cellars Northern Blend 2010 - Dense and Delicious!

"Modeled after a Cote Rotie (hence the winery name) this is a co-fermented blend of 95% Syrah (45% SJR Vineyard in the "Rocks" and the balance from Dwelley and Patina) and 5% Viognier. It displays a deep ruby color and a nose of raspberry, cherry, cassis and a bit of plum, with scents of lavender, sandalwood, orange peel, oriental incense and a hint of violets. The palate comprises of thick dark fruits wrapped around a deep bore core, underlain with licorice, Swiss chocolate and French roast. The back reveals a grainy texture that is intermixed with earthy minerals, dried cherry and orange peel, and touches of creme brulee, and roasted nuts, followed by chewy sweet-dry tannins on the finish.

14.2% Alcohol"

One of the reasons I love Syrah so much is simply all the different expressions of the grape. Whether it be Australian Shiraz, the basis for a Rhone blend, a warm climate Syrah or a cool climate Syrah, this variety has a ton to offer. And today we have an outstanding example of a cool climate Syrah from Washington State, which perhaps surprisingly, is the second largest producer of premium wines ($8 and up) in the U.S.

The 2010 Rotie Cellars Northern Blend begins with dense and delicious aromas of raspberry, plum, bacon, lavender, violets and lots of really succulent dried herbs. Tasting the wine reveals rich, concentrated dark fruit, more bacon and dried herbs, a little black pepper and lots of slate rock minerality that becomes even more prominent on the finish. This medium-to-full-bodied wine also has great balance and smooth texture with fine, grainy tannins. It ends dry, with more rich fruit that turns a bit sour and lasts for a good time. Really excellent and just as good on day 2!